Revelation 17 and 18
Falling as it does into the genre of apocalyptic literature, Revelation can be very perplexing. It certainly is one of the most misunderstood books ever written. Although often seen as the territory of the lunatic fringe, Revelation is, in reality, our only beacon of hope. I suggest you read Overview of Revelation
The language and style of apocalyptic literature is not literal but highly dramatic in order to get its message across in a way that sears itself onto the human brain. Although, it was never intended to be a kind of puzzle in which every symbol has to be cleverly interpreted, we should endeavor to understand as many of the details as possible.
This is especially true when it comes to chapters 17 and 18. The fact that John devotes two whole chapters of the book to two "Babylons" makes it imperative that we ensure we at least grasp the broad outlines of the message that is being given us. In fact, make no mistake... these chapters are a crucial warning dealing, as they do, with specific targets of the wrath of God.
However, John was not speaking about literal cities. Chapter 17 deals with the spiritual side of Babylon, a false religious system - apostasy of all kind including the worship of false gods. Chapter 18 deals with Babylon as a political and commercial system founded on values that are antithetical to God. They are two faces of the same coin.
Two Babylons - Index
Revelation 17:1-18... The Great Harlot
Introduction... The Chronology of Revelation
The Woman John saw
When John spoke of the “Great City” was he referring to the original Babylon,
the Roman Catholic Church, Jerusalem OR something else?
From Babel to Babylon Part I
A Tale of Two Kingdoms
Roots of Apostasy - The Tower of Babel/Babylon
What was the sin of the builders of the Tower of Babel and what were they really building?
Babel to Babylon and Beyond Part II
The spirituality of ancient Babylon has flowed down two separate avenues and very effectively spread all over this planet claiming millions of followers.
Seven Kings
Five have fallen, one is, the other has not yet come
Revelation 18:1-24... Destruction of The Great City
Religion and Commerce... Two Systems That Have Much In Common
The Striking Parallels Between Chapters 17 And 18
Summary and Conclusion
 Also See
A Dragon and Two Beasts
The first emerged from the sea and described the rise of the final world empire (Vs. 1-9). However, the second half of the chapter (Vs. 10-18) describes another beast that emerged from the earth which can only symbolize a world leader.
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